Photographer's Note

The main square of the village. This is the place where the caretos gather at the end, the moment the prizes are delivered.

Carnival in Lazarim is still very authentic. Here, on Tuesday, the "caretos" (people wearing a mask like this one and also costumes) come to the street to show their originality. These masks are sculpted on alder wood, by a few artisans in the village. It takes many hours to do a mask like this one. Each participant has a new mask every year because there is a contest for the best masks and also for the best "caretos". The masks may have horns, moustache, snakes...

There are several villages in the north of Portugal and also in Spain where these celebrations with masks take place. According to some studies, they have their origins in the Celtic cults and they are closely related to the winter solstice and also to fertility.

Hello Ana - we're neighbors today, I see. I like this expansion of your series on Carnival - we've seen a few individual masks, but now it's good to see a gathering like this one. The costumes are really amazing, and it's interesting to note the extreme differences between Carnival here and Carnival in the Americas. Interesting that you note the Celtic connection, I hadn't heard that. Thanks!

Ola Ana,
Unique masks the "Caretos" and as you had written an authentic styled.
Nice its special texture, looks to me each person prepare hie/her own costume, diff. colors. Well collected inspite of the rain.
Our "Purim" holiday, due next sunday - hope to bring some fg the masks in my hometown carnival.
Bom fim de semana,
Ike

Hello Ana,
this is a wonderful photo too, a very interesting and delightful group portrait, full of attractive and significant details, wonderful moody colours and folkloric information. Your picture has excellent depth and sharpness and the carnival figures stand out superbly. I also like the characteristics of the town included in the frame and the additional framing by the row of umbrellas. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a great evening,
Ourania

Hello Ana,
Looking at your photo I realize that I'm not familiar with Portugal and that I have to come back more often and longer ... You did a nice job with this image. This is well documented. I love your picture.
Well seen.
Good weekend of France.
Regards,
Tenretin

Hi Ana
a fascinating shot this and one that captures the colour and uniqueness of this event so perfectly. Lots of detail and character made all the more compelling by the colourful umbrella backdrop. Like this a lot!

Hello Ana,
well captured and delivered. Interesting scene with many details to catch an eye. The outfits are really original and I have read your note with interest too.
Good composition with row of umbrellas in the background adding extra colors.
Thanks for sharing
Kamila

Finally we see the caretoses in its entirety!
Like all carnival masks, and these have their own uniqueness that makes them different from others that are created on similar occasion in many places in the world!

As you mention, I think 'originality' is the key word here...these are quite the costumes! I would assume they're incredibly uncomfortable to wear...but who am I to judge when there are actually judges on hand. lol

I find the largest mask and costume on the left to be the most amusing, my vote is for that one. :) This has been a fun and learned series, each image has its own personality and charm. Colorful and intriguing, thanks for sharing this event with us. Have a great week ahead. All the best.

Hi Ana
This is a picture you would see in a magazine, the colours are lovely and it tells a story. it's finely cropped with all the caretos well in place as compositional focus point and there are benefits to include some of the interacting crowd in the bg being part of the carnival atmosphere. These masquerade groups are well detailed, clarity is adequate despite the slight greyish weather but full of carnival mood!. A well taken and worthy sharing with us, Congrats
Best regards

Hello Ana,
Great shot and an interesting informative note, too. It's nice to see that people still hang on to these age-old rituals,and haven't completely forgotten their roots and culture. We also have a very big and popular carnival here in the north of France, running from end of January to the middle of March. A very fine capture of this amazing event with good colours and interesting detail. Well done.
Kind regards,
Christian